The
Wedding
Shot List
Do we need to give you a shot list?
I have to be honest, I love making lists. They make me feel like I'm in control. They give me a sense of well-being. If you’ve hired me to shoot your wedding, and you love making lists too, I get it. But you must resist!
Consider this scenario: the day has arrived. You're surrounded by people you love, and lovely things are unfolding all around. You look across the room at me, who you have met with and trust, and I am looking at a list - and missing all the magic that is happening. You don’t want that to happen. So instead of making a list - here are 4 things to do:
NOTE: By “shot list,” I mean a comprehensive list of all the wedding photos you would like. This is different from formals/group photos - and I help you put that list together.
TRUST ME - I GOT THIS
SECOND PHOTOGRAPHER
SCHEDULE TIME FOR PHOTOS
COMMUNICATE "MUST HAVES"
Communicate with me about “must have shots” and unique, special details. (You will receive a questionnaire that asks this.)
Schedule time for formals and couples portraits. If your portraits are rushed - you will look and feel rushed - and you don't want that on your wedding day!
If you are inviting more than 75 guests and/0r have a large wedding party, I always include a second photographer in your package.
Trusting my experience and expertise allows you to relax and enjoy your wedding - which is why you hired me!
STILL CONCERNED? Scroll way down for an Absurdly long list of the things I look out for.
Obviously, it's important to like my overall work when you book me - BUT I also want you to know that you can trust and rely on me. For example, if you love a photo - but something about it bugs you, - I call this the "oh, that’s gonna bother me" feeling - I want you to know that you can talk to me about it.
Essentially, hiring a wedding photographer requires a leap of faith, and I want you to know that I'm on your team.
a leap of faith - but worth it!
More about my approach >>
- Detail shots: dress, attire, jacket, tie, shoes, socks, jewelry, veil, watch, cufflinks, something blue, rings, ring pillow/boxes, invitations, boutonnieres, bouquets, etc
- Sentimental items/heirlooms
- Wedding party gifts
- Couple gift exchange
- Hair/makeup shots
- Getting ready, laughing, goofing off, toasts
- Shots in loungewear, shirts
- Putting the dress/jacket on
- Finishing touches (jewelry, watch, perfume, etc)
FIRST LOOK
- Partner waiting/walking
- Reactions of both
- Couple hugging
COUPLES PORTRAITS
- Looking at each other
- Vertical
- Wide angle
- Smiling at camera
- Walking
- Kissing/hugging
- Individual portraits
WEDDING PARTY
- Partner A + Partner B, All Attendants
- Partner A + A’s Attendants
- Partner B + B’s Attendants
FAMILY GROUP SHOTS
- A + B, All Grandparents
- A + B, All Parents, All Siblings (+ All Significant Others & Kids)
- A + B, All Parents
- A + B, A's side
- A + B, A’s Parents
- A + B, B's side
- A + B, B’s Parents
- Programs, décor, florals, etc
- Ceremony wide angle
- Transportation/arrival
- Attendants coming down the aisle
- Flower kids, ring bearers
- Couple coming down the aisle
- Reactions
- Attendants during ceremony
- Parents, grandparents seated
- Family, friends doing readings, singing songs, etc
- Musicians playing
- Vow readings
- Ring exchange
- Kiss
- Recessional, kiss, bubbles, etc
COCKTAIL HOUR
- Decor, florals
- Signage
- Bar area
- Guest candids
- Couple mingling
- Wide shot of cocktail hour
RECEPTION
- Florals, name cards, table cards, etc
- Tables, place settings
- Cake detail, favors, card box
- Introductions
- First dance
- Toasts, speeches
- Couple’s reaction during toasts
- Parent dances, other formalities
- Cake cutting, desserts
- Dancing candids
- Wide shot of reception
